The need for more rest areas for truckies in NSW barely rates a mention in an interim report just released into an overhaul of the state’s freight policy.
In a section on network constraints, the independent Freight Policy Reform Panel acknowledges that rest stops have been a “focus of extensive consultation” at the state and federal level of government but still need to be delivered.
The only reference was in a section about the potential to enhance network capacity by better integrating high productivity vehicles to reduce the number of vehicles and total kilometres travelled.
“However, this requires infrastructure upgrades, including improved bridges, level crossings, rest areas, decoupling zones and overtaking lanes,” the report said.
The report did, however, go into more detail about the urgent need to improve licensing pathways and make the industry more attractive for new recruits.
Its recommended immediate actions included the allocation of funding to expedite the Austroads recommended “driver experience” licence pathway (for progression from medium rigid/heavy rigid to heavy combination and heavy combination to multi combination) as soon as practicable.
“There is also scope for the NSW Government to consider supporting training and licensing, though these options should be carefully targeted.
“They could be in the form of relief packages, such as the payroll tax rebate for recognised apprentices and trainees already in place in NSW.
“Assistance could also be in the form of more structured subsidy schemes like the Western Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skills Set Program, which couples existing vocational training with an industry-led mentorship program and has produced measurable results. The first round of the project saw 552 people enrol in the course, and 282 obtain a heavy rigid or higher-class licence.”
The panel also floats the idea of developing a targeted skills and workforce attraction program for the freight sector aimed at first addressing roles with the most acute shortages.
“This should include a funding commitment, as well as exploring other mechanisms for providing financial relief for employers (such as the existing payroll tax rebate on wages paid to registered apprentices and new entrant trainees during the eligible period of their training).”
The panel’s analysis shows freight volumes are estimated to increase by 26 per cent across NSW between 2021 and 2041, with a 40 per cent increase in Greater Sydney alone.
The release of the paper marks some other immediate actions for government and industry to undertake and the opening of the second round of consultation ahead of the policy’s finalisation by the end of the year.
Key industry issues considered by the paper also include supporting decarbonisation, better planning and protection of industrial land, using data and information to inform decision making.
The paper also makes recommendations on network issues such as pricing, infrastructure resilience and the future of ports, rail and road within the freight system. Specific actions include:
- Addressing data gaps in freight movements to support future infrastructure investments.
- Better planning for freight corridors and industrial spaces, including prioritising the final business case and planning for the Western Sydney Freight Line.
- Enabling 600 metre rail shuttles between Port Botany and Sydney’s intermodals for more efficient freight movements.
- The finalisation and implementation of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy to optimise use of the road network for modern heavy vehicles.
- The improvement of access and coordination between rail networks, including an immediate review of the NSW Rail Access Undertaking.
Consultation is continuing, with an hour-long online information session to be held on Monday, September 23, with registrations closing on September 20.
Feedback on the paper will be open for online submissions until October 23, 2024 and will be used to inform the final actions and recommendations as part of the Freight Policy Reform Program.
To read the full Interim Directions Paper, click here.